Fogler Library Friends

About the Friends-History
"Olive: An old world evergreen tree much cultivated throughout the
ages and today, still, for the valuable oil contained in its
berries. In Greek legend, Athene was responsible for having made the
olive bear fruit -- a gift to the people of Attica. Its branches
furnished wreaths used by the Greeks and Romans to crown the brows
of victors. Universally regarded as an emblem of peace and
reconciliation, the olive also represents beauty, strength and
friendship."
The Friends of Fogler Library have been supporting The University of
Maine Library since the building's construction in 1941 when the
donations from alumni and faculty alike made the building's birth
possible. Raymond H. Fogler, for whom the building is named, made
numerous contributions to the School for over 80 years after
graduating from the University in 1915.
In 1991, under the leadership of Dean Elaine Albright, a group of
University of Maine Alumni and faculty came together to officially
form the Friends of Fogler Library. The group personified the vision
established by previous benefactors of the Library. This vision
meant establishing an organization that reinforced what Fogler
Library meant to the University: the academic and intellectual heart
of the school. Dean Albright explained the organization's mission
noting, "The emphasis will be on people."
The Friends appointed alumnus Maureen Goff to act as the first
Friends of Fogler coordinator. Dionne Hutchinson, wife of then
University President Fred Hutchinson, was named the Friends' chair.
Hutchinson chaired the Friends until the turnover of presidents came
when the University's new first lady, Dianne Hoff, took over the
position. The year 1995 started a new chapter in the Friends' book
as Gretchen Gfeller took over as coordinator. Gfeller quickly became
an active part of the group, involving herself in many activities
and projects. She was instrumental in the creation the Friends'
website in 1997. Today, together for over a decade, the Fogler
Library Friends continue to help Fogler Library move into the
future.